Born and raised in Newlands, Wendy Zondi already had deep roots in the community when she watched Midway Crossing take shape. The development brought with it the promise of greater convenience, employment and opportunity for residents.
For Wendy, that opportunity would become deeply personal. Her own career would soon begin and grow within the centre’s walls.
When Midway Crossing opened in 2021, Wendy joined as a receptionist with no previous experience in property management. Five years later, she helps lead the centre as its Assistant Centre Manager.
Growing beyond the role
Born and raised in Newlands, Wendy attended Newlands West Secondary School before studying at UKZN. She graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Community Development and Criminology, and later gained experience in retail and call centres.
The opportunity to join Midway Crossing felt especially meaningful.
“We watched every brick and platform being placed for years,” Wendy recalls. “Being one of the first three employees was huge for me. I was glad to be part of history.”
From the beginning, Wendy was determined to learn how things worked. She learned about tenant, facilities, and contractor management while strengthening her customer service and leadership skills. By assisting management and tenants, she gradually gained knowledge and experience beyond her original duties.
“I left every day with new lessons shaping my future without me even knowing it,” she says.
A change in management in late 2022 became a turning point. When Onesisa Pepeta stepped into the Centre Manager role, Wendy was appointed Acting Assistant Centre Manager. The position allowed her to take on greater responsibility and support the centre during the transition.
“Onesisa held my hand,” Wendy says. “We asked questions and sought help when needed. We knew we had to make Midway Crossing a success.”
Wendy also credits Fundamentum Group for taking a chance on someone with no previous property experience and for recognising the hard work, dedication and perseverance behind her journey.
The defining moment came at the beginning of 2025, when she was officially appointed Assistant Centre Manager.
“I knew then that everything I had put in was finally paying off and being recognised,” she says.
Leadership built on empathy
For Wendy, good leadership begins with empathy. It is about more than holding a title. It means being trusted to guide others, provide support and help resolve challenges.
“I treat others as I would like them to treat me,” she explains. “I aim to create a warm environment for everyone. As a woman, I find it easier to be empathetic, understanding and accommodating. That has become my superpower.”
Her journey has also taught her that growth rarely follows the path we imagine. Entering an unfamiliar industry required courage, curiosity and the confidence to continue learning.
“You must trust yourself before others can,” she says.
For Wendy, these qualities are closely connected to her experience of womanhood and the women who have shaped her.
Celebrating the women who inspire her
Women’s Day holds special meaning for Wendy as an opportunity to recognise the many roles’ women play in others’ lives.
“It is special to be acknowledged as a woman by your loved ones and your community,” she says. “I am a woman, a daughter, a sister and a friend, and I love celebrating that.”
She points to the women in her own life as her greatest inspiration. Their hard work, ambition and courage to dream big and face whatever comes their way continue to motivate her.
Her advice to young women is to remain open to unexpected opportunities and never stop developing themselves.
“Zama ngayo yonke indlela ukuzikhulisa njengomuntu.” – Do everything you can to grow as a person.
“Learn and prepare,” she adds. “An opportunity may knock at any time, so you must be ready.”
Growing alongside her community
Wendy’s goal for the future is clear. She wants to continue growing in her life and property career while embracing the opportunities ahead.
What she enjoys most about Midway Crossing has not changed since her first day. It is the community.
Wendy’s journey has come full circle. She now helps lead the same centre where she began her career five years ago. Her rise from receptionist to Assistant Centre Manager shows what can happen when a willingness to learn is met with hard work, support and opportunity.
This is more than a story of career progression. It is a journey of resilience, growth and the belief that where you start does not determine how far you can go. Above all, it is a powerful reminder that when a community creates opportunity, its own people can rise to lead it.